A philanthropist and former president of the Spanish branch of the apex pan-Igbo socio-cultural group, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Chief Ugochukwu Nduwuisi, has commended the governor of Abia State, Dr Alex Otti, for his superlative performance in the last 16 months.
In a telephone interview with a South-East PUNCH correspondent on Tuesday, Nduwuisi described Otti as a pragmatic leader and a โGod-sentโ destined to rescue Abia State from stagnation and transform its trajectory.
He lauded the governorโs leadership strides, particularly in infrastructural development, which he described as โunmatchedโ among past governors. He expressed gratitude to God for blessing Abia State with a selfless leader who truly understands and addresses the peopleโs needs.
He said, โThrough his exceptional performance, Dr Otti has brought smiles to the faces of Abians both within the state and in the Diaspora.
โSince being sworn in as the fifth democratically elected governor of Abia State on May 29, 2023, following his victory at the polls on the March 18, 2023 elections, Otti has proven beyond expectations that the electorate made the right choice.
โAs a caring governor who believes good roads are crucial for a thriving economy, he reconstructed and rehabilitated 90 roads through the Ministry of Works, using direct labour. He has also repaired the dilapidated Ariaria International Market and Abians are grateful.โ
The philanthropist also commended the governorโs reforms in the civil service, leading to the payment of civil servants who had long been unpaid under previous administrations.
He added, โHe has paid civil servants who had gone years without their salaries, and instituted a policy aimed at ensuring that they (civil servants) and pensioners receive their wages before the 28th of each month.โ
On healthcare, he expressed optimism over the renovation of 15 general hospitals across the state, underscoring the governorโs commitment to improving access to essential healthcare services.
He also lauded the governor in entrepreneurial development especially with regards to supporting businesses amidst the economic challenges facing Nigeria, adding, โHe has launched the disbursement of a N1 billion interest-free loan under the Cooperative Support Scheme to micro-business operators across the stateโs 184 electoral wards, which will boost the their businesses.โ
Harping on the strain caused by rising commodity prices, he highlighted the governorโs initiative to disburse N900 million in interest-free agricultural empowerment loans to 298 Abia farmers trained at the CSS Farm in Nasarawa State. This initiative is geared towards achieving food sufficiency in Abia State.
He also commended the governorโs proactive measures to ensure security in the state, which he said has made Abia a safer place for economic development, adding, โHe has taken security seriously, preventing the incessant killing of innocent people and protecting property.โ
He also acknowledged the governorโs efforts in the educational development of the state, noting that plans are in place to train 2,000 master trainers for teachers in the state.
He enthused, โThe deployment of security personnel to schools will also ensure the safety of students, teachers, and school property.โ
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